Bev & Julie picked us up tonight for a journey into ‘old’ Kettering. More specifically, Frank’s Pizzeria located in Havelock Street.
In spite of living in Kettering for over 20 years, we’d never discovered Frank’s! The establishment has apparently been in business since dinosaurs roamed the one-way system here, and although Frank is now looking down on his business, it continues the thrive!
In short, Frank’s sticks to what it does best – Italian food – and more specifically, pizzas! And although apparently there has only ever been seven types on offer, they all came highly recommended by B & J.
Once inside, two things became immediately obvious: the decor and how busy they were. The decor was basic, with very simple wall coverings and functional tables & chairs. Bev had jokingly mentioned that no two pieces of cutlery are the same and all the plates suffer the same identity issues, but we were in luck – everything matched on our table!
Even though it was early when we arrived – 7pm – the place was already heaving, including a table for 20 celebrating a birthday in full-flow! Frank’s continued to fill-up with all tables taken by 7.30. They also do a takeaway service as well and tonight that added to the heightened activity near the entrance to their (what seemed like) very small food-prep area. Maybe not surprisingly then, it was noisy, requiring us to raise the volume of our own voices to chat. However, all-in-all, it added to the unique atmosphere of Kettering’s hidden gem.
Food, by-the-way, was beyond delicious and served with a genuine smile. It certainly felt like a family business, and it was clear that there was plenty of passion in the food and the service… and these days, that makes a very change!
It was good value as well! The four us had a pizza each, Bev and I got through four beers, whilst the girls had some House Wine and a Southern Comfort. To finish, we all had coffees and I squeezed in a dessert. The damage? just under £55 – not bad at all in my book!
Well, I’m certain we’ll be going back before too long.
